Xylitol

Daily use of xylitol in oral care (e.g., chewing gum, lozenges) in addition to daily oral hygiene with fluoride-containing toothpastes has shown remarkable effectiveness. Xylitol's noncariogenic five-carbon structure keeps it from being metabolized by bacteria, reducing the production of tooth-decay causing acid. Using 100% xylitol products throughout the day helps to prevent bacteria from creating the acids that damage the teeth. Regular use of Xylitol products helps prevent plaque from gaining hold on dental surfaces. Hence, it protects the mouth between brushing and flossing for both adults and children.

Xylitol enhances the remineralization of teeth, particularly in small decay spots just developing in the tooth enamel. Bacteria are unable to produce acid in the presence of xylitol and as a result the plaque pH does not decrease. The stable pH prevents demineralization, and hardens the lining of the cavities making untreated cavities less sensitive. This was clearly demonstrated in the study done in Belize on school children. In a 1980's double blind study, 1,277 school children chewed gum several times a day. Some were given ordinary gum sweetened with sucrose; others were given gum sweetened with sorbitol or xylitol. After 40 months of gum chewing (including weekends, holidays, and vacations), the xylitol group experienced 73% fewer caries, sorbitol group a reduction of 26%, and an increase of 120% of caries in the sucrose group. Xylitol's naturally cooling and sweet tastes also increase salivary flow, which optimizes the pH level in the mouth further promoting dental health. Research has confirmed and expanded on earlier findings.

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), are known to increase acid in the mouth, as they produce an acidic environment, additional acid-loving microorganisms have a selective survival advantage and exponentially will cause more damage. However, if the acid in dental plaque is kept low, then demineralization is slowed or halted. Since xylitol slows demineralization and enables some rebuilding of the enamel, it assists in the prevention of new cavities from forming and over time can reverse tooth decay that already occurred. Studies have shown using xylitol five times per day is very effective at preventing caries.9

Instruct patients to strive for 5 exposures a day of a pure xylitol product of your choice. This is not to “push” a product but so that patient’s are introduced to a purely xylitol product that will offer therapeutic benefits. The author prefers products made by Xlear. Not only does Xlear provide xylitol in a pure form the company makes efforts to reduce allergens and other chemicals as much as possible.10